Former Rangers director Gordon Smith has withdrawn himself from the running to become Liverpool's new director of football following an approach from the Merseyside club.
Smith's adviser Jonathan Hope has confirmed that the Premier League outfit made contact with him over the potential capture of Smith, who stepped down from the Gers in February following the Scottish club's fall into administration.
"My client Gordon Smith was in talks via myself for the Liverpool FC director of football role, although Gordon has had no talks with the club, I have," Hope told Sky Sports News.
"I have spoken with the general manager on several occasions and I have decided to pull my client away from the role as we have options in the Middle East.
"I am not going to hold any more talks about Gordon Smith joining Liverpool Football Club. We have options abroad and I will spend a few days with Gordon and discuss what's best for him and his family."
Former Ajax and Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal has also been linked with the director of football role at Anfield.